Should teenagers have the right to vote and change their legal gender? The podcast explores the arguments for and against, discussing youth engagement, climate activism, and the virtues of young people. It also debates the role and responsibility of young people, explores the concept of adulthood, and discusses the implications of lowering the voting age.
The debate revolves around whether 16-year-olds should have the right to vote and be considered mature enough to make important decisions, with arguments for and against based on their intelligence and awareness, as well as their lack of life experience and maturity.
The podcast explores the complexity of defining adulthood and determining the appropriate age for certain rights and responsibilities, recognizing that age alone does not reflect readiness and emphasizing the importance of considering factors like education, engagement, and life experiences.
Deep dives
Young people's rights and responsibilities
The debate revolves around the question of whether 16-year-olds should have the right to vote and be considered mature enough to make important decisions. The argument for lowering the voting age is that mid-teenagers are intelligent and aware enough to take their place as active citizens, and they have strong values and ideals. However, opponents argue that young people lack the necessary maturity and life experience to make informed judgments. The question of youth engagement in politics is also raised, with some believing that young people should be encouraged to exercise their power and have a greater say in shaping their future. Others argue that childhood should be protected, allowing children to be children. The discussion highlights the importance of listening to young people and considering their views, as they are passionate and often fighting for causes that aim to make the world a better place.
The influence of age on political decisions
The podcast explores whether age should be a determining factor in granting certain rights and responsibilities, such as voting or driving. The argument is made that age itself doesn't necessarily reflect a person's readiness to make political choices. Factors like life experiences, education, and the level of engagement in political discussions play a more significant role. While some argue that 18 is an appropriate age for making adult decisions, others propose lowering the voting age even further to 16 or even 12, highlighting that younger individuals can engage in thoughtful debates and make intelligent compromises. The discussion also touches on the physiological and psychological factors that arise in determining the level of maturity needed for certain decisions.
Youth activism and climate change
The participation of young people in activism, particularly regarding climate change, is emphasized in this podcast episode. The conversation reflects on the impact of young activists like Greta Thunberg, who have brought environmental issues to the forefront of public discourse. However, concerns are raised about whether young people are being burdened by issues beyond their years, potentially robbing them of a carefree childhood. The debate centers on the balance between protecting young people and allowing them to be active participants in shaping the future. The podcast recognizes the diversity of views and experiences among young people and acknowledges the importance of listening and engaging with their perspectives.
The challenges of defining adulthood
This segment delves into the complex issue of defining adulthood and the age at which individuals are considered mature enough to exercise autonomy and make important decisions. The podcast highlights the varied perspectives on this matter, ranging from the neurological argument that suggests brain development continues until around age 25, to the recognition that emotional maturity and life experiences play significant roles in determining readiness for the responsibilities of adulthood. The discussion also touches on the limitations and expectations placed on young people, as well as the role of society in providing support and protection. Overall, the podcast explores the nuances of defining adulthood and acknowledges the need for a balanced approach that considers both the rights and well-being of young people.
Nicola Sturgeon has argued for a wider debate on teenagers' rights, as she defended plans to allow 16-year-olds to change their legal gender in Scotland. Each society settles on its own thresholds to determine when a person is old enough to make informed decisions about matters including voting, having sex or drinking alcohol. This is a collective agreement about the legal point at which human beings reach maturity. But what is human maturity in moral terms?
Aristotle warned against trusting the judgments of the young, saying, “they have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations”. Meanwhile, psychological studies suggest that the period of adolescence among Gen Z has extended – ‘25 is the new 18’ – which means that ‘adult’ roles and responsibilities now occur later than in they once did. All this is evidence, according to some, that teenagers’ judgments are less likely to be sound than their elders, and rather than expecting them to be political beings, we should allow them to be kids. Conversely, there are those who argue that younger generations have been failed by a system that is rigged to favour the interests of older people; that they should play more of an active role in our democracy because their concerns are the concerns of the future; and that they are more likely to make better judgements about society because they are far more connected to the world and aware of their own values than previous generations.
Should we trust children and teenagers to make good judgments about the future? Or, if active citizenship is the preserve of adulthood, what is an adult?
Producer: Dan Tierney.
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